Why is light drinking a problem?

• Watch this to learn more from experts and individuals with lived experience

• Watch this to learn how alcohol  effects each person and pregnancy differently

• Read this to understand how "low to moderate alcohol consumption" can result in FAS/PFAS

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Why is alcohol such a damaging substance?

• Alcohol is a teratogen. All teratogens (like thalidomide or rubella) cause birth defects. Alcohol can cause damage to any system of the body. It is particularly destructive to the brain of the fetus, causing damage to the structures, function, neurochemistry, and the brain's ability to grow and repair. Studies show, there is no safe level of prenatal alcohol exposure. 

Read this to better understand alcohol's unique capacity to cause damage, given the perfect storm of factors: 

• the placenta is not a barrier to alcohol

• recurrent cycle of fetal swallowing and elimination of alcohol 

• amniotic fluid acts as a reservoir for alcohol

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Do the effects of prenatal  alcohol exposure continue into adulthood?

• Learn more here  about FASD across the lifespan and how to support the strengths and abilities of those affected.

     (Thank you CANFASD) 

• Watch this interview with a person diagnosed with FASD in mid-life.

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Is alcohol use/prenatal alcohol exposure a concern in Maine?​

• Maine's overall rate of alcohol use among pregnant adults is 26.2%

• In six of our sixteen counties the rate is 10% and higher

• As high as 16.5% (1/6) in Cumberland County

• Binge alcohol use among women of childbearing-age in Maine 15.6% (Peristats 2024) 

• Maine unintended pregnancy rate was 31% (Maine PRAMS 2022).

• Most recent PRAMS Report, Maine intended pregnancy rate 71.5%.

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What can we do to help?

 So much!

• Read this to learn about stigma associated with prenatal alcohol use

• Read this to learn more about stigma experienced by the person with an FASD

• Go to FASD United to see how our own attitudes and behavior can create barriers for those seeking support in pregnancy 

• Many simple effective tools are available to: 

• family members

• social workers

• OB/GYN practitioners

• Family Medicine

• Pediatric practitioners      

• Psychologists

Maine providers can participate in the SAFEST Choice Learning Collaborative 

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For more information go to

FASD Myths and Facts